Reel for the fluid treatment of thread



Jan. 17, 1956 v T. Q MAYNER 2,73089 REEL FOR THE FLUID TREATMENT OF THREAD //v l/E/v TOR THOMAS 5. MA Y/vE/'f TORNE Y Jan. 17, 1956 T. s. MAYNER 2,730,389

REEL FOR THE FLUID TREATMNT OF THREAD Filed OCT.. 14, 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 /fvvE/vro/i /-foMAs S. MA YNER United States Patent O 2,7 30,889 REEL FOR FLUID TREATMENTOF THREAD Thomas S. Mayner, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, assignor to Industrial Rayon Corporation, Cleveland, Ghia, a corporation of Delaware i Application October 14, 1950, Serial No. 190,187

3 Claims.` (Cl. 68-205) This invention relates to an apparatus for processing thread and the like. More particularly, the invention relatesto liquid treatment of thread continuously advanced in the form of a helix, the thread passing through and over a liquid formed, generally circular path.

`In the manufacture of thread or yarn from viscose by a continuous method a plurality of `processing steps are performed from the momentthe thread is formed to its final collection on take-up bobbin or a spool. One method is to advance the formed thread helically over a plurality of thread storing, thread advancing devices to which are applied a plurality of sequential liquid treatments. Generally, the processing liquids are externally applied in the form of a stream or as aspray to the thread while it is in the form of `a helix on a reel.

`A thorough and eicient processing of thread with increased reel speeds introducing centrifugal forces has been diicult to attain. `External applications to rapid rotating threadlhelices of processing liquids do not, generally, economically process a travelling thread because increased reelspeeds introduce centrifugal `forces which tend `to throw oft the applied liquid with the result that more or longer `treatments. have to be applied. Shrouds have been introduced to collect and return thrown treating liquids back to reel surfaces or as a collecting means so that the liquid can be re-used. More` liquid flow is not desirable, and it has `the tendency to interfere with the advance of thread. Another suggested method has been to feed the treating liquid into the reel core then to centrifugally force it through `the thread on the reel surface. This method also requires additional liquid quan tities and an exterior collecting means for the sake of economy to return the thrown lluid to the reel surface, and it also has a tendency to interfere with thread travel.

This invention advantageously provides a method and apparatus that is adapted to apply a measured amount of a processing liquid to an annular section of a thread helix, the liquid being formed, generally, as a cylinder with the thread passing over or through it. The liquid walled cylinder is formed about the reel periphery. The liquid is adapted to flow through, in and around, the thread turns, permeating and scouring them to yield ayarn ihaving `subsequent improved physical characteristics. The flow to the reel surface and for over a predetermined length of the reel being, generally, at a rate so as to provide an adequate treatment and keeping waste to `a minimum.

The liquid is fed, advantageously, to the reel periphery or surface through passages terminating in `long and narrow outlets in the reel surface. The liquid outlets are predetermined in length, and they are positioned around the reel` periphery to form areas or treatment zones. The longitudinal outlets or slits are of such size so as to permit substantially. equal ows of a :treating solution throughout their lengths, the quantities issuing from each outlet about the periphery being suicient to substantially fully cover the area of a thread helix that passes over. lf the thread turns are closely spaced, then an annular liquid blanket lCC will be formed about them or about the wetted portion of the helix. The depth of the liquid blanket can be such so as to also cover the surface of the helical portion treated. The thread helix is, thus, passed through a thinwalled liquid cylinder.

Centrifugal forces or pressure can be utilized to maintain the flow of processing liquid to the reel surface openings over which the thread passes. Further, liquid that passes through the thread can be reapplied or retained to the surface of the thread by means of exible liquid retainers or applicators. Such devices tend to assist in the scrubbing action of treatment of the thread. The flexible liquid applicators also are of economical importance since they prevent loss of an applied treating liquid by catching it and by reapplying it to the reel surface. Surrounding shrouds can also be provided about a reel to collect a thrown liquid and to return it to the trough for re-use, if so desired.

A reel that is advantageous to the invention is of a type disclosed in U. S. Patent 2,210,914, although others can also be utilized. The reel of the mentioned patent has two rigid reel members each reel member having a plurality of bar members. The bars of the reel members are interleaved and of a rigid construction. The bars are provided with longitudinal passages for conducting a processing liquid to surface openings of predetermined size and `length over which the thread passes in its advance over the reel. The invention will be more specifically described in the following specification and the accompanying drawing where:

Figure 1 represents, in plan, a thread storing, thread advancing reel having processing liquid passages and bar surface openings in the reel member bars;

Figure 2 is a cross-section of the reel of Figure l taken along line 22;

Figure 3 is a cross-section of the reel of Figure 2 taken along lines 3 3;

Figure 4 represents the reel of Figure l with a liquid applicating and spreading means;

Figure 5 shows a modification, in cross-section, of the reel of Figure l with the feed of the processing liquid being from the unsupported end of the reel; and

Figure 6 is a further modification of the reel of Figure l, in cross-section, showing a two-stage liquid application, the feed being from the front and the rear of the reel.

In the drawing the reel of Figure l comprises two reel members 8 and 9 mounted on axes that are oifset and askew to each other rotating about a reel shaft 13. Reel member `8 is formed of a plurality of bar members 10, and reel member 9 has an equal plurality of bar members 11. The bar members 10 and 11 are interleaved to form a single discontinuous circumference of the reel which upon rotation will advance thread and the like in a plu rality of turns in the form of a helix.

One set of the bars 10, those of reel member 8, are provided with slots or surface openings 12 through which flows a continuous supply of a processing liquid. Thread or the like passing over the surface openings 12 is subjected to the processing liquid. The processing liquid is spread, substantially over the entire inner surface of the thread helix which, if closely spaced, will have formed an annular, substantially fully covering liquid blanket. Excess liquid is advantageously reapplied to the thread or collected by an applicator or by a shroud which can return it to the reel or to a trough.

The reel member 8, as shown in Figure 3, is attached through its flared extension or ring 14 to a flange 15 by means of studs 16. The flange 1S forms a part of `a sleeve 17 which is mounted for rotation about the reel shaft 13 on `the stationary eccentric bearings 18 `that are positioned about the sleeve 20. Sleeve Z0 is provided with a flange 21 that is adapted to be held and xed against rotation in the face of a spinning machine. The sleeve 20 is eccentrically positioned relative to the shaft 13, its axis being offset and askew to the axis of the reel shaft 13. Thus the reel member 8, when rotating aboutpthe sleeve 20 rotates about an offset and askew Vaxis to the axis of reel member 9 which is concentrically mounted on the shaft 13.

The reel members 8 and 9 are maintined in their relative positions by means of collars 31, 32 and 33 respectively. The collar 31 abuts the concentric reel member 9 and a sleeve 26 which also supports the eccentric sleeve 20 at one end. Collars 31, 32 and 33 position the eccentric sleeve 20 and the rotating sleeve 17 on the shaft 13 as well as fixing the position of the eccentric reel member 8. The shaft 13 rotates in the bearings 22 and in the sleeve bearings 26. The reel is rotated by means of a driving gear 24 xed to one end of the shaft 13 by the set screw 25. By driving the concentric reel member 9 reel member 8 is also driven through bar to bar contact. The interior structure of the reel is protected from applied liquids by a rubber diaphragm seal 2S which is held between the two reel members at one end and about the hub 29 at the other by a constricting spring 30. p An annular opening or liquid distributing channel 35 is provided in the flange 15. The channel 35 is connected to a plurality of passages 36 in the bar members 10 which terminate in surface openings 12. The surface openings 12 are of such length or width so as to provide for a flow of processing liquids therethrough to adequately treat a thread helix passing over them. The passages also are desirably of a shape so as to contain and maintain a sufficiency of liquid for the processing operation. As shown they are advantageously of a tear-drop shape, the outlet being the narrower opening 12. A processing liquid is supplied to the annular opening 35 by a supply conduit 37 carrying the liquid under some pressure and it is forced as a stream substantially well into the annual liquid distributing channel 35. The rotation of the reel will cause the processing liquid to flow from the channel 35 through the bar member passages 36 and through the surface openings 12 to the thread on the reel. The length and size of the surface openings 12 determine the liquid treatment given the thread. As hereinbefore mentioned excess liquid is reapplied by liquid reapplicators back onto the reel.

Liquid slinger rings 38 are positioned about the sleeve 17 and to the rear of the liquid supply tube 37 to protect the rear bearings of the reel by preventing the flow thereto of a liquid. Any liquid having the tendency to flow to the back of the sleeve is stopped by the ring 38; the liquid either drops off into a trough or is thrown oil and caught by a shroud.

A more thorough treatment and a scrubbing of the thread is had by reapplying or maintaining the outilowing processing liquids to the surface of the thread, or to the reel. Advantageously, such a reapplication or maintenance, or scrubbing, of the thread by the processing liquid can be had through the use of flexible blankets 40, 41, for instance of the type shown and described in the patent application having Serial No. 67,018 tiled December 23, 1948, now Patent No. 2,562,199. As shown in Figure 4, two such liquid applying blankets can be effectively used. The blankets 40, 41 are supported about 180 apart and each, because of flexibility, is adapted to be maintained and is caused to adhere through the medium of the liquid to the reel surface. Each is adapted to follow the reel contour for a portion of the reel circumference. The following sections of the flexible blankets 40, 41 can be shorter or longer, as desired. An extra supply of a processing liquid, should it be necessary, can be provided by conduit 39 positioned adjacent the reel periphery and the liquid spreading and applying blanket 41. Thus two concentric liquid surfaces are formed, one about the surface of the helix and the other under the helix, an annular liquid cylinder. While the thread helix passes between the two liquid surfaces centrifugal forces tend to force some of the liquid through the thread which liquid is then mingled with a fresh surface supply washing and scouring the thread. It may be advantageous, however, where reels are rotated at more increased speeds to use as many as three flexible applicators or substantially fully encompassing shrouds. It has been found, however, that the use of flexible blankets provides a sufficient deflection, besides a further reapplication of the processing liquids to the thread on the reel surface. Such a use of a plurality of spreading blankets 40, 41 generally effectively covers a reel surface, as shown in Figure 4.

Where it is inconvenient to admit a processing liquid through a channel in the back of the reel then as in Figure 5 the reel member 48 can be provided with a front annular channel 42 that is joined by passages 43 to bar member 45, surface slots 44. A liquid supply 46 would then be positioned at the front of the reel. The channel 42 is contained in a ring or collar 47 formed as'part of the reel member 48. The ring or collar 47 can be a'separate section that is fastened by screws 49 to the bar members 45. A processing liquid flowing at a desired pressure from liquid owing to the surface of the thread helix can be reapplied by a spreading blanket as shown in Figure 2, or, if it is thrown off, by a shroud 50.

Where it is desired to apply two or more liquid treatments to a thread helix then an equivalent number of sur# face openings providing for treatment zones are provided. In Figure 6 the reel therein shown has a surface opening 51 and another surface opening 52 in the reel bar members 53 and 54, respectively. The surface opening 51 is fed by liquid supply tube 60 through the front part of the reel, and the surface opening 52is fed by liquid supply tube 61 through the rear of the reel. A front annular liquid supply channel 55 is adapted to deliver a processing liquid to the surface opening 51 through interconnecting passages 56, while the rear annular channel 57 is adapted to supply a liquid solution to the opening 52 through interconnecting passages 58. The liquid flowing out of the surface openings 51 and 52 of the reel of Figure 6 can be reapplied to the thread by the flexible blankets 40, 41 of Figure 2, or by means of shroud 59. 1

Through the advantageous processing device described a hollow cylinder of a liquid or liquids is formed over which or through which a thread passes. The thread is subjected to a liquid lm under and above it being substantially thoroughly treated and scoured. The thread advancing reel shown in the drawing can also'take the form of a double roller type where one of the rollers is canted relative the other. Each roller can be provided with passages in the cylinder walls terminating in open surface slits. A liquid film will be formed about the roller periphery equal to the length of the slits. The lms can also be kept spread and maintained on the rolle surfaces by flexible blankets.

I claim: Y

l. A thread advancing and processing reel comprising a plurality of generally circularly positioned longitudinally extending, interdigitating bar members, said bar members being adapted upon rotation to advance thread in the form of a helix; longitudinally extending surface openings in at least one-half of the said plurality of bar members; longitudinally extending recesses within said bar members; passages joining said recesses and surface openings; said surface openings being more narrow than said recesses; and means for supplying a treating liquid to said recesses.

2. A thread helix advancing and processing reel cornprising two reel members mounted for rotation about axes displaced from each other; each of said reel members having a plurality of longitudinally extending bar members; the bar members of one reel member being interleaved with the bar members of the other reel member; longitudinally extending recesses in the bar members of one of said reel members; continuously longitudinally extending surface openings in the bar members; connecting passages between said surface openings and said recesses; said lsurface openings being more narrow than said recesses; a flange on one of said reel members; a liquid receiving channel in said flange; passages connecting said channel to said recesses; and means for supplying a treating liquid to said channel.

3. A thread helix advancing and processing reel comprising two reel members mounted for rotation about axes displaced from each other; each of said reel members having a plurality of longitudinally extending bar members; the bar members of one reel member being interleaved with the bar members of the other reel member; longitudinally extending recesses in the bar members of each of said reel members; longitudinally extending surface openings in each of the bar members; connecting passages between said surface openings and said recesses; said surface openings being more narrow than said recesses; and means for supplying a treating liquid to said recesses.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 575,836 Henrici lan. 26, 1897 2,002,994 Hartmann May 28, 1935 2,145,281 Walters Jan. 3l, 1939 2,247,389 Knebusch July l, 1941 2,272,233 Walters Feb. 10, 1942 2,287,031 Frohwein June 23, 1942 2,308,576 Kornegg lan. 19, 1943 2,453,366 Furness Nov. 9, 1948 2,470,299 Furness May 17, 1949 2,476,757 Naumann July 19, 1949 2,481,916 Ewing Sept. 13, 1949 2,513,381 Truitt July 4, 1950 2,562,199 McLellan July 31, 1951 2,582,293 Stanley Jan. 15, 1952 2,583,515 Mayner lan. 22, 1952 2,593,555 Guy Apr. 22, 1952 

